146 days — that’s how long Brisbane Roar’s Hayley Raso had to wait before setting foot on a professional football field again.
(Feature image credit: Brisbane Roar)
The 24-year-old has been through the ringer over the past five months: Three broken vertebrae meant Raso went from being part of the Westfield Matildas squad, to suddenly learning how to walk again.
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It was a purely accidental occurrence in the National Women’s Soccer League that caused so much strife for Raso.
Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe, who also plays in the Westfield W-League for Sydney FC, charged towards the ball, collecting Raso — who was playing for the Portland Thorns at the time.
The emotional and physical rollercoaster that followed would have broken many a player.
So you can understand why when, as the second half between Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC resumed in the Westfield W-League, the pacy forward was beaming with delight.
And even though Sydney FC’s 3-1 win over Brisbane deprived Raso of that winning feeling, it would most certainly not have soured Raso’s sweet return.
Look what it’s meant to Raso over the past few days:
This picture sums up exactly how I feel. Thank you all for your kind messages and support throughout this whole journey. I’m back! pic.twitter.com/lxoiynFyj7
— Hayley Raso (@HayleyRaso) January 20, 2019
This injury pushed me to my absolute limits. This whole journey was an extreme mental and physical battle. I didn’t think I’d make it out, but I am so happy to start my next chapter. Guess who’s coming back.. Watch my rehabilitation story here: https://t.co/jRuLdr2Fd0
— Hayley Raso (@HayleyRaso) January 18, 2019
FOX SPORTS presenter Tara Rushton led the way, congratulating Raso on her comeback.
Great to see you back! ❣️ https://t.co/CqqMCjrWAg
— Tara Rushton (@TaraRushton) January 20, 2019
While fans and the media alike were in awe.
Huge cheer here at Lions Stadium as @HayleyRaso takes to the field.
Welcome back Ribbons!#BRIvSYD #WLeague
— Danielle Warby (@DanielleWarby) January 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/chloelaulaulau/status/1086560392992542720
.@HayleyRaso! Huge achievement. https://t.co/LpLsyjpTw0
— Patrick Galloway (@pat11g) January 19, 2019
And in good football news… She back 🎀😎🦁#BRIvSYD 🙌🏽 @HayleyRaso @brisbaneroar 🧡 #rasorasoraso #oioioi pic.twitter.com/wqQu1dCWnn
— Liana Buratti (@lianaburatti) January 19, 2019
Thank you @HayleyRaso @CelBee and @CaitlinFoord for holding this banner after the game. Different @WLeague clubs but your all @ThornsFC @PDXRivetersSG also thanking the @TheRoarCorps for the banner approval to the stadium today. Had a great time in Brisbane #Wleague #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/uB5xAmoH7K
— Timber80 (@TimberTim2) January 19, 2019
And it was great to see Raso garner support from her clubs.
We've made our first change at the break! Welcome back, @hayleyraso!#BRIvSYD 1-2 #RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/aNUERgQu3z
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 19, 2019
Welcome back, @HayleyRaso! 🤗 #BAONPDX https://t.co/GBxhNWmMBG
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) January 19, 2019
